NIH, European Studies Back Efficacy of Glucosamine, Chondroitin 37473

NIH, European Studies Back Efficacy of Glucosamine, Chondroitin

BETHESDA, Md. & LISBOA, PortugalGlucosamineand chondroitin are effective and well-tolerated treatments for osteoarthritispain, according to results of two new clinical trials slated for presentation atthe Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) inSan Diego in November.

The first trial, called the Glucosamine/chondroitin ArthritisIntervention Trial (GAIT), has been anticipated by the nutraceutical industry,as the multi-center study was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health(NIH) through a $14 million Congressional appropriation and announced in 2000.In the active 24-week intervention portion, researchers from more than a dozenhealth care facilities across the United States compared the effects of 1,500 mg/dglucosamine hydrochloride, 1,200 mg/d sodium chondroitin sulfate (supplied byBioiberica S.A.), both of these treatments administered simultaneously, 200 mg/dcelecoxib (a drug used to relieve arthritis symptoms) and placebo, on patientswith knee pain. All study participants were allowed up to 4,000 mg/dacetaminophen as a rescue analgesia, except within 24 hours of patient evaluations. Of1,583 participants, 1,258 individuals with a mean age of 58.6 years, a body massindex of 31.7 kg/m2, and a 10-year history of osteoarthritis symptoms completedthe study. The researchers found the combination of glucosamine and chondroitinsulfate was most effective in relieving severe knee pain, aiding almost 80percent of study participants; the abstract further noted all treatments werewell tolerated.

Our branded ingredient CSb Bio-Active is again beingsupported by scientific evidence, said Patricia Estepa Clemente, projectmanager joint care for Bioiberica S.A. Bioiberica S.A. is very pleased withthis new outcome and as joint health experts, we aim to continue bringing moreresearch and knowledge to help in the growth of this promising market category.

Similar results were reported in the second study, theEuropean-sponsored Glucosamine Unum In Die Efficacy (GUIDE) trial. Researcherscompared the effect of 1,500 mg/d glucosamine sulfate, 3,000 mg/d acetaminophenand placebo on various osteoarthritis pain and mobility indices in 318osteoarthritis patients (88 percent women) over 24 weeks. Ibuprofen (400 mg/d)was permitted as a rescue medication. Glucosamine sulfate was efficacious inreducing scores on various osteoarthritis symptom indices. There were nodifferences in safety among treatments. The researchers concluded 1,500 mg/dglucosamine sulfate might be the preferred symptomatic medication in kneeosteoarthritis.

We are extremely pleased with the outcome of both trials,and look forward to their presentation at ACR and subsequent publication,said Andrew Shao, Ph.D., vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs forthe Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). These are two well-designed,well-conducted, goldstandard studies that we believe will offer further supportto the already long list of studies demonstrating the safety and benefits ofglucosamine and chondroitin for joints.

For more information on Bioiberica, visit www.bioiberica.comor Booth #6067 at SupplySide West.